Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2014 coming to Glasgow

Paolo Nutini and Rita Ora revealed as first names on the free music festival's line-up

BBC Radio 1 has announced that its annual festival, The Big Weekend, will be taking place in Glasgow on Sat 24 & Sun 25 May.

The first acts revealed to be performing are Glasgow’s own Paolo Nutini and sassy singer Rita Ora. Local JAMC-style rock band Baby Strange will also take to the stage as part of BBC Introducing. Headline acts, performers and the full line-up will be announced sporadically on Radio 1 in the lead up to May. Previous editions of the fest have included performances from Jay Z, Kasabian, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

Taking place on Glasgow Green, over 50,000 free tickets will be up for grabs, available on a first come, first served basis – though those who live nearby have a higher chance of obtaining them. A night dedicated solely to dance music is also set to be a part of the fest, taking place on Fri 23 May.

BBC Radio 1 and BBC Learning will also be inviting Glasgow locals aged 16–19 to attend a series of radio shows, master classes and Q&A sessions from Sat 10–Fri 16 May, in the hope of inspiring future DJs.

Now in its 11th year Radio 1's Big Weekend heads to the city where it's all happening in 2014 – Glasgow. Well established as Europe's largest free ticketed music event the Big Weekend plays host to some of the biggest names in pop and rock with Kasabian, Kings of Leon, Katy Perry, Paolo Nutini, Coldplay and One Direction…